Saturday, August 28, 2010

Normally I've posted scenic shots from my travels. These aren't them. They come from a silk factory in Hoi An, Vietnam, where I got to see how silk is made. First, of course, come the silk worms. A closer look:

The caterpillars spin cocoons and prepare for metamorphosis in leafy beds like this.

Since the beetles that would emerge would break/chew through the threads, the silk makers boil the cocoons. (Note some of the almost-read-for-prime-time beetles.) Kind of grisly when you think about it. Like lobsters -- only bugs.

And then the cocoons get processed, the clothes get made, and it's off to shops and onto people's backs.(Note the 'eyes' over the shop doors on this Hoi An business. They're to ward off evil spirits.

Profile

I started my career as an actor and playwright. Now I'm writing novels. I've lived in Toronto, New York, Montreal, Vancouver and Switzerland. My work and interests have taken me traveling to China, Botswana, South Africa, Argentina, Egypt, Turkey, Malawi, Zambia, Thailand, Cuba, Singapore, Mexico, Morocco, and throughout North America and Europe. I also love meeting readers, playing with my cats, eating Ben and Jerrys, and doing readings and writing workshops. To check out my books and awards, please visit my website at: http://www.allanstratton.com